A Gatineau police officer has been charged with armed assault and causing bodily injury, the force announced Wednesday. Stéphane Lizotte, 51, was arrested by MRC des Collines police on July 5 in connection with the alleged offences, which occurred while he was off duty.
Arrest and Charges
Lizotte faces charges of armed assault and assault causing bodily harm. The Gatineau Police Service confirmed the arrest in a release, noting that the officer was not on duty at the time of the alleged incidents. He was taken into custody without incident.
According to police, Lizotte was already under suspension with pay following separate charges brought against him in an unrelated investigation. The suspension remains in effect as the new case proceeds.
Court Appearance and Release
Lizotte appeared in court on July 6 and was released on conditions pending a future court date. No further details about the alleged assault or the conditions of his release were disclosed by authorities.
The Gatineau Police Service stated that the investigation was handled by an external force, MRC des Collines, to ensure impartiality. The case is now before the courts, and police have declined to comment further.
This incident adds to a series of recent cases involving off-duty officers in Quebec facing criminal charges. The police service emphasized that it takes all allegations seriously and is cooperating fully with the judicial process.
